As a former teacher myself, I can tell you that the Secretary of State's office has a great deal of interest in the education of our state's children. As the chief preservers of Louisiana history and culture, it is our department's goal to assist you in encouraging youngsters to participate in and understand our system of government and way of life. And, like you, we have been at work this summer developing educational programs to do just that.

We are very excited about a new video series created for history and civics classes on the junior high and high school level. It's called The Secretary of State's Educational Outreach Program, in which I will send to each participating classroom in the state a free series of tapes supplementing your lessons on the topics of voting and elections, political parties and political campaigns. In the tapes I will answer common student questions regarding our political process, as well as include interviews with other prominent figures, who will share their firsthand experience with elections with your students. This program is scheduled to debut in October, and I encourage you to participate. By taking part in the video series, you will be allowing your students to hear from people whose point-of-view is vital to truly understanding government.

And again this year we are continuing our affiliation with the very successful National Student/Parent Mock Election. Since 1996, Louisiana's Old State Capitol, the Center for Governmental and Political History, has served as our state headquarters for the mock election, registering hundreds of thousands of students every year to participate in the program. Louisiana's outstanding student turnout has drawn national attention, and we truly believe that the mock election will one day be a key factor in permanently increasing voter turnout in our state.

To sign your school up for these programs, please complete the attached registration form and return it to the Old State Capitol, 100 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801. The registration form can also be faxed to 225/342-0316. To ensure timely receipt of your free resource materials please return your registration form by Monday, September 16, 2002. If you have any questions, please call 225/342-0500 or 1/800-488-2968.